Barrier Of Hingedly Connected Sections Patents (Class 52/71)
  • Patent number: 6681532
    Abstract: The present invention is a door adaptable for work spaces in a modular work area environment. The door is bi-fold in design, can be attached to any flat surface, and is particularly suited for attachment to the flat end portion of the modular wall separating two adjacent modular work spaces. The door can then be used to close the entry and egress area of either adjacent modular work space areas. When not in use, the door can be folded such that it rests in a position perpendicular to the shared modular wall, such that the entry and egress areas of both adjacent modular work spaces are open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Lee Palmbos, Mark Joseph Consolla, P. Ramsey Madsen, William J. Pokletar
  • Publication number: 20040010983
    Abstract: An articulated collapsible planar structure (10), including a number of parallel rigid beams (12) of substantially trapezoid cross-section rigidly attached in close formation. The structure (10) is rollable into a compact cylindrical package when the thin sheet faces the center of curvature and forms a curved structure when the beams face toward the center of the curvature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Yonathan Eshpar
  • Patent number: 6676333
    Abstract: A frame structure for use as a portable dam. Each frame structure is comprised of a support beam, a base beam and at least one brace beam connected together in pivoting relationship so that the beams may be folded down together for quick assembly and disassembly. The collapsed beams are configured to lie parallel to each other in a folded arrangement to permit efficiency in stacking multiple units together for storage and transportation. The erected frame structures are connected to each other and held in a spaced relationship through the use of couplers that are adapted to slide over the ends of the beams forming the frame structures. The individual frame structures may be erected in place in the water, or a section comprising several connected frame structures may be pre-fabricated and lifted and placed as a unit in the water. A stiffener member is affixed to adjacent frame structures to hold them together in rigid relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Richard D. Ruiz, LLC
    Inventors: Herb Wiseman, Richard D. Ruiz, Robert J. McCann, Troy Dean Ruiz, Scott Allen Ruiz
  • Patent number: 6675538
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an amusement maze. The maze of the present invention 10 can be located indoors and consists of a plurality of pivotal wall panels 16 whereby each panel may pivot to open a passage way or close a passage way creating a new maze pattern. Each wall panel unit consists of two pivotal panels 16 mounted to a pillar 18. Each unit is computer controlled and can flip the panels 16 back and forth by means of a servomotor 40 mounted to each pillar 18. When a plurality of units are joined together, they create cells 22. The cells 22 create the maze. Located within each cell 22 is a motion sensor 51, a voice-activated panic alarm 52, a hand-activated panic button 48 and direction lights 20 that may lead a player 12 to the nearest exit 24. All are safety features linked to the main monitor 62 and computer 60. The main computer 60 is located in a building out side of the maze in the attendant's room 58.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Candio
  • Patent number: 6619008
    Abstract: A corner connector arrangement which joins adjacent upright edges of at least two wall panels for maintaining the panels in angled relationship. The connector arrangement employs a connector post positioned between adjacent panel end edges. Each panel has a connecting bracket provided with outwardly protruding upper and lower flanges which respectively overlap upper and lower ends of the post. The post has suitable openings so that cabling can pass from interiorly of one panel through the post for passage into the interior of another panel. Elongate closure strips are secured to and extend longitudinally along opposite edges of the bracket associated with each panel. The closure strips have cantilevered flanges which are curved similar to and resiliently deflect into engagement with exterior peripheral surfaces on the post to enclose the post and the cabling therein. A separate closer strip that snaps onto the post may be used to enclose the post for two-panel connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Smed International Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Shivak, Dale R. Marshall, Darren R. Long
  • Patent number: 6615551
    Abstract: A media wall for supporting various types of media, such as plasma screen or flat screen television sets, as well as other types of thin media, includes an upright vertical wall to which the media is mounted. The wall may include a pair of sidewalls mounted to a back face of the vertical wall, as well as a shelf extending forwardly from the vertical wall. At least one aperture may be included for enabling power or data cables to be inserted through the wall from the front to the back. A video camera support may be mounted on the vertical wall. The wall may be pivotable about a vertical axis to allow easy access to the rear of the wall for setting up and adjusting the electrical cabling used to support the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Nucraft Furniture Company
    Inventors: Linda Elizabeth Chesser, William Frederick Schacht, Robert J. Bockheim, Scott E. Carpenter, Michael G. Fedrigo
  • Patent number: 6615550
    Abstract: A space-dividing covered work space arrangement including a pair of opposed side modules each of a three-wall construction defined by an upright panel arrangement and a pair of upright end walls disposed at opposite ends thereof and projecting inwardly therefrom. A pair of canopies project inwardly from each of the opposed modules and are attached along inner edges thereof so as to define a continuous canopy assembly which overlies and encloses the work space from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Reuschel, Ralph E. Reddig
  • Patent number: 6607421
    Abstract: A foldable structure having an assembled configuration and a folded configuration. The foldable structure includes a main portion, a base panel which supports the main portion and a stabilizing panel which attaches to the main portion to stabilize the structure when in the assembled configuration. The foldable structure preferably includes at least one removable intermediate section which partition the space defined by the assembled main portion. Additionally, the foldable structure is preferably provided with anti-tip members which secure the main portion to the base panel so as to prevent the main portion from tipping away from the base panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Deborah W. Rossi
  • Patent number: 6599055
    Abstract: Connecting element (1) for connecting two components of a partition wall, comprising two clamping flanges (2,3) interconnected by a connecting rod (4). Said element has an asymmetric configuration due to the fact that the clamping flanges (2,3) have different cross sections. At least parts of the contour of the first clamping flange (2) are unrounded while at least certain parts of the contour of the second clamping flange (3) are rounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Preform GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Auer, Nicole Liebrich
  • Patent number: 6598355
    Abstract: An anti-stacking system for an operable wall includes a guide rail mounted on or adjacent to the track so that the guide rail is engaged by panel orienting members attached to the trolley bolt. The guide rail may be mounted on the track or to the track suspending brackets. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail is integral with the track. Panel orienting members that engage the guide rails are mounted to the bolts of the trolleys, which bolts in turn are fixed rotationally to the panels. At designated areas in the room, the track is free of the guide rail to allow stacking of the wall panels when not in use. In wall forming areas, the panel orienting members engage the guide rails so as to cause the trolley bolts, and thus the panels, to be properly rotated into a proper wall-forming arrangement and to remain in the wall forming arrangement until moved to a storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Modernfold, Inc.
    Inventor: N. Douglas Owens
  • Patent number: 6595017
    Abstract: A system for shading an air conditioning unit from sunlight uses one or more sheets of solar screen material attached to a frame. The frame is coupled to the air conditioning unit using various bracketing arrangements. The system is easy to install, does not significantly restrict air flow, is adjustable, and is attached directly to the air conditioning unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Matt Teahan
  • Publication number: 20030115808
    Abstract: A low profile, expandable, mobile rigid structure with unique a unique assembly and support system, that can easily be transported by an average sized vehicle. The structure features a central structure with a central roof section, a pair of endwall assemblies, and a central floor mounted to a base. The endwalls are two pieced having a bottom endwall panel and a top endwall panel. From the side of the central structure one or more side sections are retractable and expandable to increase the size of the floor space inside. The two pieced endwalls allow for compaction of the structure for travel by translating the lower portion of the endwall from supporting the upper portion. A two pieced door allows entry into the structure when it is expanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Floyd L. Morrow
  • Patent number: 6581345
    Abstract: The present invention provides a track concealment system for use with a movable wall system having movable walls, a track and a trolley. The invention includes a pair of panels, each sized to conceal a portion of the track, and a pair of brackets each having a first portion attachable to the track and a second portion configured to support an edge of a corresponding panel. When supported by the second portion, the panels are arranged such that the edge of said panel is adjacent the connecting member thereby concealing the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Modernfold, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Goldsmith, N. Douglas Owens
  • Patent number: 6568149
    Abstract: A joining strip is provided by which sheet metal may be formed into a hollow tubular panel. The joining strip provides a seam between panel edges that acts as a thermal break between inner and outer faces of the panel. The joining strip may also carry a resilient tubular cushion which extends into the joint between the side ends of two panels that are connected by a hinge. This cushion contributes to providing an air seal within the joint between the two panels. Applications include roll-up garage doors and roll-away, articulated walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Francis Lacasse
  • Patent number: 6560937
    Abstract: The present invention involves a foldable bay window for mobile living quarters, such as recreational vehicles, is movable between an extended position, in which the bay window projects from a wall of the unit to a folded position, in which the components of the bay window assembly are substantially flat against the outer wall of the unit. The bay window assembly includes a pair of side panes which are slidably and pivotally mounted on horizontally extending tracks on the wall of the unit, and a center pane connecting the side panes. A bottom panel is pivotally connected to the wall or center pane and is constrained for movement along vertical tracks, to thereby force the panes into the folded position as the bottom panel is moved from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position. As the panes are folded against the wall of the vehicle, a hinged roof panel drops into a substantially vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Bay View, LLC
    Inventors: Stewart E. Gardner, Dennis B. Vance
  • Publication number: 20030079418
    Abstract: A palisade comprises visible or wall surfaces disposed on opposing sides and intermediate end faces. One of the end faces is provided with a projecting convex head, while the other end face comprises a correspondingly formed concave receptacle for the head. When forming a palisade wall, the head of a palisade can engage in the receptacle of a neighboring palisade such that the head substantially completely fills the receptacle. To be able to bend neighboring palisades relative to one another over a large angle and to increase the design possibilities of a palisade wall, the head and the receptacle are disposed eccentrically on the respective end face and preferably in the corner region between the end face and the associated visible or wall surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6553725
    Abstract: A blind for use by hunters, bird watchers, field observers and the like has at least three upstanding walls, a top cover and a bottom pan where at least one of the walls has an opening for ingress and egress and at least one of the walls has an openable and closeable window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Washington
  • Patent number: 6546675
    Abstract: A panel support assembly 25 comprises a post 10 having at least one elongate recess 12, rotatably supporting a respective panel receiving member 13. The panel receiving member 13 comprising a rod-like member having an internal channel 14 adapted to receive a panel 11. The recess 12 is part-cylindrical and respective panel receiving member 14 is cylindrical, partially fitting within recess 12, so as to allow relative rotation. A pair of panel support assemblies 25, with pairs of panel receiving members 13 facing each other, provides a panel fixing system for fixing a panel 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Harkk PTY LTD
    Inventor: David John Adderton
  • Publication number: 20030051417
    Abstract: An engineered purpose-built portable habitable structure formed of a transformable rectangular enclosure that includes a base shell having hingedly attached exterior and interior walls that fold out to form a habitable structure. The walls of the structure are pre-wired and pre-plumbed and are adapted to connect to appropriate supply sources exterior to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Theodore T. Ciotti
  • Patent number: 6532701
    Abstract: A prefabricated, modular shelter system that utilizes a series of identical enclosures, each made from barrier panels connected to define the shape of a modifiable dodecagon prism. The top cover of each enclosure can be flat or peaked at the center. The lightweight components are easily transported, assembled, disassembled, and/or re-assembled. The design allows two or many enclosures to cluster together without interstitial triangle prism volumes forming among them. Interior space within a cluster of enclosures can be increased, decreased, or re-arranged by simple addition, removal, or relocation of enclosures. Though the enclosures are each identical in shape, they can create a limitless variety of spatial areas and configurations, thus adapting to varied uses and requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Edward Williams
  • Patent number: 6516575
    Abstract: The device (2), which is used to lock running gear (1) guided in a rail (5) and is or can be connected to the latter, has a body (21, 22) in which a locking pin (23) is displaceably mounted and, by means of a resilient element (24), is held resiliently in a first position, so that the locking pin (23) can be brought by the action of a force from the first position, in which it can engage in a locking element (36, 53) provided in the rail (5) or connected to the rail (5), into a second position, in which it is released from the engagement in the locking element (36, 53). The locking device (2), which is constructed simply and cost-effectively, therefore permits dividing elements (90), such as sliding doors, sliding counters or folding walls, which are guided by the running gear (1), to be closed off securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Hawa AG
    Inventors: Karl Haab, Otto Haab
  • Publication number: 20020157326
    Abstract: A panel assembly for space applications comprises a plurality of panels. The panels are pivotally interconnected, such that the assembly can be in a folded position and a deployed position. The assembly is arranged to enable synchronization of the movement of the panels. The assembly comprises main panels and connection elements, wherein the main panels are each pivotally connected to a connection element in each case. A yoke is provided that has an upper rod and a lower rod. The yoke can move the panel assembly from a folded position proximate to the satellite wall towards a deployed position, wherein the assembly extends outwardly from the satellite wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Zwanenburg
  • Patent number: 6460556
    Abstract: Collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20020124481
    Abstract: A barrel has a sector-shaped main board and a polygonal base board. A plurality of periphery plates are disposed on a periphery of the polygonal base board. Each periphery plate has a periphery folding line and a round hole. The sector-shaped main board has a plurality of longitudinal folding lines, a connection plate, a plurality of rectangular plates, and a plurality of decoration plates. Each rectangular plate has a slot. Each decoration plate has a transverse folding line and an insertion protrusion. The connection plate and one of the rectangular plates are fastened together. Each periphery plate and each rectangular plate are fastened together by a bolt and a nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Zhi-Yuan Yang
  • Patent number: 6446398
    Abstract: A hinge type post adapter, as part of a panel and post wall system, with circular loops or nuckles in horizontally extended sections, which fit snugly around the post, with a “U” shaped slot extending outwardly from the opposite side from top to bottom, with slots slightly wider than the loops or nuckles in the loop section, to allow an identical part to be inserted around the post upside down. It should be noted that the post adapters, when installed on the post will allow an extension of the wall in any desired direction around the post from 90 to 180 degrees from the proceeding wall section and will prohibit the transmittal of water or air thru the wall assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Richard L. Weir
  • Publication number: 20020121063
    Abstract: A hoarding module 100 is disclosed which cooperates with other modules for erecting a hoarding and includes a substantially rectangular panel member 101 and positioning means in the form of a sleeve set 69, 70 and sleeve 71 which positions the module to adjoin at least one other module along at least one vertical side thereof. Positioning means 69, 70 and 71 cooperate with joining means in the form of pins 80 to hinge together horizontally adjoining modules in a hoarding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Andrew Mathias, Andrew Redwin
  • Publication number: 20020116878
    Abstract: A engineered purpose-built portable habitable structure formed of a transformable rectangular enclosure which is the size of an ISO shipping container and which includes a base shell having hingedly attached exterior and interior walls that fold out to form a habitable structure with the walls of the structure being prewired and preplumbed and adapted to connect to appropriate supply sources exterior to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Theodore T. Ciotti
  • Publication number: 20020112413
    Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Charles Hoberman
  • Patent number: 6434895
    Abstract: A folded building, after having been trailered on its own wheel assemblies to a site, is unfolded at the site by first reorienting 90° the wheel assemblies attached to each of a pair of side walls and removing an attached trailer hitch. The side walls are drawn apart from one another while having supported by the rolling wheel assemblies. As the side walls are drawn apart, pivotally attached front and rear bifold walls unfold. Each of a pair of foldable roofs attached to a respective one of the side walls is unfolded from a location adjacent the interior of the respective side wall. Roof end caps are attached to the top edges of each of the front and rear walls. After raising the wheel assemblies the building is lowered onto the site. To remove the building from the site, the building is folded by reversing the unfolding steps and the trailer hitch is attached. The building may then be trailered to another site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Bendon, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Craig Hosterman, D. L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6430880
    Abstract: A modular display panel and edge latching system therefor which employs concealed movable latching mechanism that can be actuated between adjacent panels set up, for example, on a floor to lock the panels into vertical alignment and against any tendency of floor unevenness to cause adjacent panels to become misaligned vertically. The components in the latching mechanism which create vertical position locking are actuated by the insertion of actuators typically carried as downward projections on other panels which rest on top of directly floor supported, underlying panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Idea Development Company
    Inventor: Matthias D. Kemeny
  • Patent number: 6415570
    Abstract: A modular drainage system and/or assembly for flat-roofed or low-slope roofed structures available without field fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Roofers Mart of Wisconsin, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel L. Wentz
  • Publication number: 20020083654
    Abstract: A method for erecting a modular building on the ground of a building site with the use of a lifting device having a support pedestal and having a mechanism therein for causing relative movement relative to the support pedestal comprising the steps of providing a floor supported by the ground and having an outer perimeter. A plurality of wall components are provided. The lower extremities of the wall components are hingedly secured to the perimeter of the floor. The lower extremities of the roof components are hingedly secured to the upper extremities of the wall components. The wall components and the roof components are positioned so that they lie in planes parallel to the floor. The support pedestal is vertically positioned on the floor. Pulling cables are secured to the upper extremities of the roof components and extend to the upper extremity of the support pedestal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Dante N. Bini
  • Patent number: 6378257
    Abstract: A component made of natural or synthetic stone for cladding protruding parts in the building field, for example the front part of the steps of a staircase, comprising a tile which has, at its front edge, a first strip and a second strip which are respectively arranged at right angles and parallel to the tile, are mutually rigidly coupled and form a sort of a reversed L-shaped profiled element, the exposed surface of the profiled element being faced and fixing materials being interposed in the interspace between the strips and the front edge portion of the tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Sistema S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Guerri
  • Patent number: 6368311
    Abstract: Featured is a device for draining fluids and/or gas from body cavities, including at least a pressure control chamber and a collection chamber being fluidly coupled by a one-way valve thereby establishing a waterless seal between the collection chamber, including the patient, and the suction source. The pressure control chamber also includes a waterless suction pressure control regulator that controls and maintains the suction pressure at or about a selected value. Preferably, the regulator includes a spring operated valve. The device also includes a vent path arrangement having an intermediate chamber and at least two passages that are perpendicular to two adjacent surfaces within the intermediate chamber. The two passages and intermediate chamber are arranged so liquid in the collection chamber does not flow and contaminate the upstream portions of the device when the device is resting on its front side or backside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Deknatel Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Valerio, Trinh Phung, Anthony R. Carlone, Victor E. Santos, Lawrence F. Travers
  • Patent number: 6364374
    Abstract: Methods and devices for joining two or more panels together are provided. The methods allow joining of panels of material such as glass fiber board, and are particularly useful for forming ducts or tubes. Fasteners provided have two planar members, joined together, and the planar members have protrusions that are integral to the planar members and are intended to at least partially protrude the panels joined by the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Noone, Thomas J. Cuthbertson
  • Publication number: 20020023392
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangment for moving elements (4, 5) of a multi-leaf sliding wall (1) into a parking magazine (6) whereby a storage rail (7) branches in the region of the parking magazine from a guide rail which carries the elements, and whereby each element (4) has a drive assembly (8). The invention is directed thereto that the first element (5) next to the parking magazine (6) in the region of the free end of the guide rail is journalled to be swingable about an axis of rotation and is exclusively guided with its associated drive assembly (8) by the storage rail (7), whereby between the first element (5) and the drive assembly (8) there is disposed a coupling link (10) configured to support a tension to pull and to support a compression to push.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Markus Bischof
  • Publication number: 20020023391
    Abstract: A wall system capable of rapid and easy transport and storage, wherein the wall panels are locked in place but are capable of easy removal without disturbing the supporting framework, and further, the horizontal members interact with and are capable of being locked to vertical supports of a variety of configurations and yet are replaceable without the necessity of disassembly. The wall panels for the current system may selectively be uniform and decorative or alternatively serve as a support for brackets, shelves or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: R. Paul Nymark
  • Patent number: 6349517
    Abstract: A fixed barrier module includes a support post for supporting two adjacent panels each of which are hingeable. A cut-away portion in a base portion of the support post accepts two cable-carrying swivel joints that are utilized as cable conduits through the support post. The swivel joints rotate with the panels, and allow cables to follow the fixed barrier contour. Cable carrier extrusions attach to the swivel joints to extend the cable conduit below a panel section and to an adjacent support post. The swivel joints and hingeable panels allow the fixed barrier to change direction to follow any desired contour using a single-type of a support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Manley, Mike Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6345471
    Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable mobile accommodation structure comprising a central structure provided with floor (3), roof (2), and end walls (1) and two longitudinal side walls (7), at least one of which is movable outwards together with outwardly pivotal floor and roof sections (4 and 9, resp.). The roof and floor sections comprise a rigid panel, and are pivoted to the side wall (7) and the floor and roof edges of the central structure such that in a non-expanded state the roof panel (9) and the side wall (7) are permitted to hang down double-folded outside the folded up floor panel (4). The invention is characterized in that an actuating means (14, 14′) is arranged to act between the central structure and the roof panel (9) for swinging the roof panel up and down supported by a draw rope (15) is acting between the upper part of the central structure and the outermost part of the floor panel (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Innovation Development Enterprise i Stockholm AB
    Inventor: Thorbjörn Gyllenhammar
  • Patent number: 6343442
    Abstract: A boom assembly for a rocket-launched spacecraft, the boom assembly comprising a plurality of rigid sections and a plurality of elastic sections that pivotally connect each of the rigid sections together so as to enable the boom assembly to be folded into a storage configuration and so as to enable the boom assembly to be automatically unfolded into a deployed configuration that provides the spacecraft with a large rigid extending platform. At least one of the rigid sections is mounted to the spacecraft so as to secure the boom assembly to the spacecraft. In one embodiment, a plurality of extendable components, such as solar panels and radar antennae, are mounted to the rigid sections so as to allow for storing and deploying the extendable components. In another embodiment, there may be no components mounted other than a length of wire or a length of metal tape which will allow the boom to act as an antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: TRW-Astro Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Geoff Marks
  • Patent number: 6343441
    Abstract: In a roof construction (10) with several erected support arches carrying a tentered roof skin (15), both ends of which support arches are held with a fixed distance to one another in the carrying state, each support arch (11)is constituted by several sections (12; 12a, 12b) each connected to one another via joints (13), where a lock is assigned to each joint (13), which limits the unfolding of neighboring sections (12a, 12b) to about their straightened position. In the carrying state of the support arch (11) all its joints (13) are bridged underneath by tensioned pulling connections (16), which engage on both sides of the bridged joint (13) on a section (12a, 12b). Furthermore, in the region of each joint (13)a spacer (19)is provided acting between the support arch (11) and the corresponding pulling connection (16), which spacer (19) directs the pulling connection inwards past the connecting line defined by the two points (18a, 18b) of engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Merz Saulter Zimmermann GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Günter Merz, Sabine Sauter
  • Publication number: 20010037613
    Abstract: An anti-stacking system for an operable wall includes a guide rail mounted on or adjacent to the track so that the guide rail is engaged by panel orienting members attached to the trolley bolt. The guide rail may be mounted on the track or to the track suspending brackets. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail is integral with the track. Panel orienting members that engage the guide rails are mounted to the bolts of the trolleys, which bolts in turn are fixed rotationally to the panels. At designated areas in the room, the track is free of the guide rail to allow stacking of the wall panels when not in use. In wall forming areas, the panel orienting members engage the guide rails so as to cause the trolley bolts, and thus the panels, to be properly rotated into a proper wall-forming arrangement and to remain in the wall forming arrangement until moved to a storage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: N. Douglas Owens
  • Patent number: 6295786
    Abstract: A building panel (10) including a core body (11) containing a compressible solid, and cladding layer (12), on at least one outer surface of the core body, and wherein the building panel is foldable. Preferably, the core is a polymer foam, and the cladding layer is substantially more rigid than the core body for imparting strength thereto. The fold (26) may be provided by cutting the cladding layer from what will become the inside surface of a fold, and removing sufficient material from the core body to permit the panel to be folded. The cladding layer preferably includes a textile of a flexible fiberglass, nylon or polyester in the form of a woven or non-woven mesh (16) with a resin component (17) in the form of a settable liquid applied to, and set into the interstices of the textile with the resin component substantially encapsulating the textile component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: John Bartholomew Lee
  • Patent number: 6296038
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes a number of door panels slidably engaged with a track and a leader end secured to one end of the door panels. A retaining device forms a channel for receiving the leader end and has a pair of opposite resilient stops trapezoidal in cross-section and extended inwardly into the channel for engaging with the leader end and for retaining the leader end within the retaining device. The retaining device may be secured to a supporting abutment, usually a wall member, or may be secured to and moved in concert with the leader member of another sliding door subassembly for coupling the sliding door subassemblies together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Chang Than Chen
  • Patent number: 6282847
    Abstract: An improved workcell is provided with a door hinged at a midpoint between the opposite sides and maintained in a parallel relationship to the workcell access opening, thereby minimizing the clearance space required to open and close the door. The workcell is formed of a plurality of posts and wall panels which can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled, such that the workcell is portable. The wall panels are pinned to the posts and include hollow ribs to receive cabling, wiring, and tubing for work functions within the workcell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Genesis Systems Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jan C. Mangelsen, Fred K. Remley
  • Publication number: 20010013359
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures are provided having at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6253525
    Abstract: Hinge arrangement for pivotally connecting structural parts (1) which in oppositely inclined surfaces facing each other are provided with an open-ended T-shaped undercut elongate groove (3) in which may be inserted from the ends of the groove at least one support component (4) with lugs (4″) corresponding to the cross-section of the groove and with a cylindrical receptacle (4′) for insertion of the hinge axle (L), the support components cooperating with at least one unitary hollow pivot profile (5) arranged between the structural parts and provided with inclined walls (5′) corresponding to the inclined walls of the structural parts and adjacent to the cylindrical receptacles of the support components (4) with two partially cylindrical receptacles (7) into which may be inserted the hinge axle (L) extending through the receptacles of the structural parts so that one or both structural parts may be pivoted by 90° or one of the structural parts may be pivot by 180° relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Gisela Weber
  • Patent number: 6253500
    Abstract: An expendable and collapsible mobile structure includes a central structure having a floor, a roof, front and rear end walls, and at least one longitudinal side wall that is movable out from the central structure. In an expansion operation, the front and rear side walls are adapted to be initially swung out perpendicular to the longitudinal side wall and positioned by ground supports. The top and bottom portions of inner sides of the front and rear side walls, moreover, are provided with rails, and top and bottom portions of front and rear side edges of the longitudinal side wall are provided with respective guide members which are movably journalled on the rails. The roof of the central structure is movable in a vertical direction and is provided with guide members that are guided along vertical rails provided on an inside of the front and rear end walls of the central structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Innovation Development Enterprise i. Stockholm AB
    Inventor: Thorbjorn Gyllenhammar
  • Patent number: 6253498
    Abstract: Self-contained, modular building systems that create temporary structures consisting of various panels that fold compactly for shipping, but that deploy into complete building segments, such that a large surface area of panels sufficient to provide a structure of superior size as compared with like known modular structures may be efficiently stored and conveniently deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Kazak Composites, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome P. Fanucci
  • Patent number: 6250021
    Abstract: Starting from flat partly assembled components, this shelter, when erected, includes tubular roof-reinforcing and attachment beams disposed against roof segments and sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel A. Ferrara, Jr.